Catholic Church calls on Venezuelans to pray for health of Chavez

Caracas, Venezuela, Jul 5, 2011 / 04:53 pm (CNA).- The Catholic Bishops of Venezuela are calling for prayers for the health of President Hugo Chavez, who announced last week from Cuba that he is suffering from cancer and has undergone two surgeries.

“We are happy that the veil has been lifted. Today things have been made clear and he urgently needs our prayers,” Archbishop Roberto Luckert said on June 1.

The archbishop, who has been the target of criticism from Chavez, said the announcement by the president last week finally lifted the veil on his state of health, which has caused uncertainty in the country regarding his long absence.

Archbishop Luckert spoke on behalf of Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian leaders when asking Venezuelans to pray for Chavez’s recovery.

Chavez appeared sluggish and fatigued in a video broadcast on Venezuelan television, in contrast with the usual fiery tone that has characterized his long speeches during his 12 years as leader of the country.

The president “appeared with great simplicity, he said ‘I am sick and I need you for my recovery,’” Archbishop Luckert said.